The Lord God called into his eternal glory Fr. Martin (Johannes) Birk OSB on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, in Münsterschwarzach Abbey. He was professed for 65 years and a priest for 60 years. Father Martin was born in Danzig in 1941. He entered Münsterschwarzach Abbey in 1960. He made his profession in 1961 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1966.
From 1967 to 1970 he served as an assistant in Münsterschwarzach/Gerlachshausen. From 1970 to 1983 he taught religion in Damme. His life’s journey led him as a missionary to Digos, the Philippines. After his return he served in the abbey guesthouse. For many years he was a student advisor and spiritual director at Haus Benedikt and later hospital chaplain in the Missioklinik and the Uni-Kliniken in Würzburg. He was happy to do pastoral ministry at St. Ludwig from 2018 to 2020.
May the Lord reward his faithful servant for his service in pastoral ministry and for his community with eternal joy. R.I.P.